Short sleeve sweaters became my unexpected closet hero this year. I love how they’re the perfect balance of effortless, relaxed, and polished. They feel cozy but not too warm. They’re an easy option to turn to during transitional seasons because you can layer them or wear them alone. Plus, they’re work appropriate, so you can wear a short sleeve sweater to work just as easily as you can wear it to brunch or on a vacation. And we all know sometimes we need this type of option in the air conditioning even during the peak of summer. Short sleeve sweaters are just really versatile, and they’re also a fun alternative to your typical blouse or shirt.
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How to Style Short-Sleeve Sweater
Short sleeve sweaters are easier to style than you think. They go with linen skirts, denim skirts, work pants, and all different styles of denim. You can style a short sleeve sweater by itself, under a blazer, over a button up, or even over a tank top. It all just depends on your personal style and what you’re doing, but these knit garments will go a long way in your closet!
What To Wear Under A Short Sleeve Sweater Or With A Short Sleeve Sweater
Classic Button up
A classic fit button up is a fun way to dress up your short sleeve sweater for the office and for cooler seasons in general. First, put on your button up, and then put your short sleeve sweater or cardigan over it! Voila. You have a super chic work outfit, whether you wear this with work pants or a skirt. Or, you can wear a sleeveless sweater under your button up.
Sandals
Sandals are the perfect shoe to wear with a short sleeve sweater in the spring because they make your outfit feel less like winter. I love this pair with the block heel.
Blazer or Suede Jacket
There is nothing better than throwing on a blazer or jacket over a short sleeve sweater to easily have a put together, polished outfit. Whether you’re wearing a typical pullover sweater, cardigan, roll neck sweater, or even something more unique like a cowl neck sweater, it will look nice under a seasonal jacket. This is one of my favorite ways to get dressed in the fall, winter, and spring because it’s easy, comfortable, and it always works.
Tank Top
If you’re looking for good basics, I recently picked up a few tank tops from Buck Mason and I also aways love Sezane tank tops. These are all options to wear under a short sleeve sweater when you wear the sweater with an open front or if you just want an extra layer. Several of these tank tops are a rib knit option, which is typically my go-to choice for tank tops. They’re all cotton and really lightweight!
How To Wear A Short Sleeve Sweater
These are exact outfits I’ve worn with some of my favorite short sleeve sweaters.
Short sleeve cashmere top with fun pants and sandals
This is such a fun outfit for those transition seasons, when days aren’t too hot or too cold. I love when you can mix pieces that feel a little bit like different seasons too. These high waisted pants are perfect to style with this slightly cropped cashmere tee. Wide leg pants are always a good option to wear with pieces that are more fitted, too!
Styling A Button-Up Short Sleeve Sweater also known as a cardigan
Style with jeans for a casual look
A short sleeve sweater with jeans and chic shoes is just a reliable outfit! The subtle open knit design on this cardigan and the organic cotton make it feel so lightweight. There’s nothing better than a high quality cotton sweater because it’s breathable, and it just feels like you’re wearing a cloud. These pieces will last longer than synthetic fibers and they are typically easier on your skin.
My cardigan is old and sold out, but I linked two short sleeve sweaters I love.
Wear with a midi skirt for work
This outfit is a go-to option for spring, early fall, and summer. While I’m wearing this midi skirt with a cardigan, it will look good with any short sleeve sweater.
Check out this blog post for more sweater and skirt outfits.
Cashmere Short Sleeve Sweater
This cashmere short sleeve sweater is your next closet hero. You can wear it all year – with the exception of the height of summer here in DC. Anyway, this top is super lightweight. It comes in several other color options, like the one I’m wearing above. I love both of these because they’re so versatile. I wore this outfit for a casual outing, but this is perfect to wear to work with your work pants or a skirt for the office. This is the type of look you can wear if you’re going to dinner or drinks after work too – it feels pulled together and effortless.
Cashmere Short Sleeve Sweater With A Blazer for Cool Days
A short sleeve sweater under a blazer is one of the easiest, most chic outfits! It only took me a few minutes to put this outfit together, and I felt so good in it. You can wear this to work if you’re allowed to wear jeans, or just wear a skirt or work pants with it if jeans aren’t an option. Then, wear it again on the weekends with jeans. One of the nice things about a cashmere sweater is you don’t have to dry clean it all the time. I always get at least a few wears from a sweater before it needs to be cleaned.
Barrel Jeans With Short Sleeve Cardigan
This outfit feels like a more elegant way to style a short sleeve sweater because dark barrel jeans always dress up your look.
Options for a cold day: Suede Jacket Over A Short Sleeve Sweater
I’m technically wearing a sleeveless sweater in this photo, but a suede jacket or blazer is perfect to style over a short sleeve sweater too. A suede jacket or blazer is so chic and always a favorite piece of clothing in my closet. If you want an option that’s warm and easy to layer, go for a short sleeved wool sweater or cashmere sweater vest.
Click here to see the suede blazer on me.
What To Wear A Sweater With in General
If you’re looking for a few tips on how to style a sweater in general, here are a few thoughts.
Balance your outfit with fitted and looser pieces
A fitted or cropped sweater pairs nicely with wide leg pants or wide leg jeans. A looser fit sweater will work better with more tailored bottoms.
Wear skirts with all types of sweaters
A midi skirt, mini skirt, and maxi skirt all look nice with sweaters throughout the year. You can use your shoes to make your outfit feel seasonally appropriate.
I hope you found a helpful way to style a short sleeve sweater! If you’re looking for other outfit inspiration when it comes to wearing sweaters, click here for a blog post on how to style a sweater dress. Don’t forget to sign up for my email list!
